A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. Josh Billings
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Bentley is our first dog. He could also be our last dog (kidding, kidding). We all love him to bits but caring for him has been quite a challenge.
Grooming can be a battle, but we are trying to be consistent in brushing him a little on most days. Don't even get me started about bath time.
Since Bentley is not a fan of brushing, we have tried many different ones. The best slicker we tried was the Artero Double Flexible Brush.. Unfortunately Bentley didn't like it. After a lot of research, I found a gentle plastic brush meant for people but it was not available here in the US. The Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Hair Brush had similar bristles, so we gave it a try and it worked.
Even though Bentley still doesn't really "like" it, he will sit for a few minutes to be brushed. We keep his coat short. (Another post will have to document our grooming adventures, but for now let's just say that the crookedness of path on his bum speaks volumes). Line brushing ensures that all layers of the coat are being brushed, so hold the top layers of fur up and hold the skin still with one hand while gently brushing the bottom layer through. If I find a mat, I brush the ends of the section out first, like you would with long hair, and then keep starting higher until I can get a clean sweep. If a mat is too tight, then it's sayonara baby with the small clippers (see below).
The Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangler and Finishing Dog Spray was great for helping to brush through mats, but surprise, surprise, guess who doesn't like that either? It has a strong hair spray-like smell, but for the few times I was able to spray it on the brush, it definitely helped. We've since tried Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave in Pet Conditioner for Dogs which he doesn't mind as much, but it's hit or miss as to whether we can apply it to his coat without getting a growl warning - cheese can only do so much.
If your dog is okay with a detangling spray or lotion, it really helps with brushing and dematting. Coconut oil is a great natural option too, and Bentley didn't mind it but then he would start to lick it, and of course there's needing to bathe a greasy dog, so that was out for us (see reference to bath time above).
When necessary, we remove mats with the oneisall 2 Speed Cat Clippers. It gives better control because it's small and a shaver is much safer than scissors. This takes desensitizing as well, so bring on the roasted chicken.
If your dog hates being groomed as much as ours does, take heart. I've read many stories of people whose dogs hated grooming who were able to be trained to at least not be panicked about it even if they didn't love it. So brush on people! And one day may our dogs and ourselves both enjoy grooming!
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